The Fool And Cordelia: Opposing Influences On King Lear :: essays research papers

Although the Fool and Cordelia ar similarly candid towards their world-beater, they never interact in Shakespeares King Lear, because the Fool is a chaotic influence while Cordelia is a stabilizing force. While the Fool and Cordelia both act in the Lears best interest, it is non forever and a day evident to Lear. The Fools actions often anger the King, and lead to an increase in his madness. On the other hand, Cordelias actions more often comfort Lear, and coax him back into sanity. Another commonality between the Fool and Cordelia is their honesty. Both the Fool and Cordelia are frank with Lear, though he may not always appreciate that they do so for his own good. In Shakespeares King Lear, the Fool is a source of chaos and disruption in King Lears tumultuous life. The Fool causes the King distress by insulting him, maqueen light of his problems, and telling him the truth. On the road to Regans, the Fool says If thou wert my Fool, nuncle, Id have thee / beaten for being old bef ore thy time. (1.5.40-41). He denies the king the respect due to him as an aged King, causing the King to wonder at his worthiness. The fool also makes light of Lears qualms making snide remarks in response to Lears ruminations. When Lear asks Edgar cryptically, wouldst thou give em all? the Fool responds, Nay, he reserved a blanket, else we had been all shamed (3.4.69-72). The Fools snide remarks do little to maintain Lears fragile control of his faculties. However, the Fool speaks to the king candidly, a rare occasion in Lears life. Even Kent acknowledges the truth of the Fools statements, saying, This is not altogether fool, my lord (1.4.155). While the Fool disrupts Lears mental state, Cordelia steadies him with compassion, understanding, and truth. When Cordelia has rescued the King, she says that Mine enemys dog, / though he had bit me, should have stood that night / Against my fire (4.7.42-44). Cordelia is amazed at her sisters treatment of Lear because she cannot get the pi cture the actions of such uncaring people. Cordelias considerate nature soothes the Kings overwrought mind. Because the King seems rash and even irrational at times, those who understand him are few. His youngest daughter knows what Lear goes through with her sisters, and wishes that she could Repair those violent harms that my two sisters / Have in thy reverence made.